Quick change window assembly

ABSTRACT

A window assembly for a public transportation vehicle that permits rapid removal and replacement is disclosed. The vehicle has a sidewall with a window opening. One or more frame members are attached within the window opening. The frame members are adapted to comprise one or more apertures. One or more retainers are adhesively attached to the inner surface and towards the outer periphery of a piece of glazing. The retainers have protrusions that can extend through the apertures in the frame members and engage therewith when the piece of glazing is positioned adjacent to the window opening. Removable fasteners can be attached to the protrusions so as to detachably secure the piece of glazing and the retainers to the frame members. This allows easy removal and replacement of the piece of glazing from the window opening of the sidewall of the vehicle.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/418,385, entitled “Quick Change Window Assembly”filed Oct. 11, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to window assemblies, and, in particular,concerns a replaceable glazing for window assemblies in publictransportation vehicles.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, ground based motor vehicles with aerodynamic exteriorshave become popular due, at least in part, to a desirable appearance. Inaddition to aerodynamic exteriors, flush fitting window assemblies havealso contributed to an improved aerodynamic appearance of vehiclesincluding public transportation vehicles, such as buses.

Typically, the glazing of flush fitting window assemblies is recessedwithin the sidewall of a vehicle so as to form an aerodynamic exteriorsurface. In most cases, conventional glazing is attached to a recessedperiphery around the window opening using an adhesive material, such asglue, epoxy, or putty. The adhesive must be of sufficient strength suchthat the glazing remains secured in place during use of the vehicle.

In some circumstances, the glazing may need to be replaced due tovandalism, such as breakage, chipping, scratches, and fractures, andalso for maintenance needs, such as seal replacement. Consequently,replacing conventional glazing often requires removal of the adhesiveused to secure the glazing to the window opening.

In general, removing a high strength adhesive from a flush fittingwindow assembly is time consuming and labor intensive, whereinconventional glazing removal procedures may require more than one personto work a generally known glazing removal tool. For example, the glazingremoval tool is forced through the adhesive between the glazing and theframing supports in the sidewall of the vehicle. Usually, one worker isoutside the vehicle and another worker is inside the vehicle on eitherside of the glazing. The glazing removal tool is moved back and forth bythe workers in a cutting motion and guided around the entire peripheryof the glazing so as to break the mounting seal of the adhesive. Thiscutting procedure is time consuming because it has to be performedslowly so as to not damage the window opening.

Once the seal of the adhesive is peripherally broken and the glazing isdetached from the window opening, the remaining adhesive on the windowopening needs to be removed. Unfortunately, removing the adhesive maycause permanent damage to the framing supports of the window opening.Scrapping the adhesive with a scrapping tool may cause adverse wear onthe framing support surfaces, which may result in the framing supportsof the window assemblies not properly sealing with reattached glazing.Also, this procedure may cause chipping or flaking of the paint aroundthe window opening resulting in an undesirable appearance. Moreover, theadhesive may need to be scrapped off using undesirable chemicaldistillates that may evaporate into unhealthy fumes in the work area.

Once the old adhesive is removed, adhesive is reapplied to the windowframing and allowed to cure for a lengthy amount of time for properadherence of the glazing to the window framing. Unfortunately, thecuring procedure incurs additional processing time for glazingreplacement. In some cases, pressure needs to be applied around theperimeter of the glazing during curing. Otherwise, the glazing may notseal correctly to the window framing. If too much pressure is appliedduring curing, then the glazing may fracture, or the frame may deform.If too little pressure is applied during curing, then air gaps may formbetween the glazing and the window framing resulting in a degraded seal.As a result, the process of gauging the pressure and monitoring thepressure distribution on the glazing surfaces even further increases theamount of processing time for glazing replacement.

Therefore, due to the time consuming procedures, conventional glazingand adhesive removal processes require an exorbitant amount of down timefor the vehicle. In the case of public transportation vehicles, thevehicles cannot be used in their designed capacity during the abovedescribed conventional window replacement processes resulting in lossrevenue for the vehicle owner. Also, the manner in which conventionalglazing replacement processes are conducted may result in permanentdamage to the window openings.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there is a need for animproved window assembly that is easily removable and replaceable whilestill maintaining the aerodynamic appearance of flush fitting windowassemblies for vehicles. To this end, there also exists a need for awindow mounting assembly that allows for multiple detachments andreattachments of the glazing from the window assembly with lessdifficulty such that glazing replacement is less labor intensive andtime consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs may be satisfied by a window assembly for avehicle having a window opening formed in a sidewall. In one embodiment,the window assembly comprises at least one frame mounting member that isadapted to be attached to at least a portion of the sidewall so as to bepositioned within the window opening, wherein the at least one framemounting member defines at least one first coupling component. Inaddition, the window assembly further comprises a piece of glazinghaving a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planarouter surface, wherein the piece of glazing is sized so as to bepositioned in a first orientation within the window opening formed inthe sidewall of the vehicle. Moreover, the window assembly furthercomprises at least one glazing mounting member adapted to be adhered tothe inner surface of the piece of glazing, wherein the at least oneglazing mounting member includes at least one second coupling componentthat engages with the at least one first coupling component on the atleast one frame mounting member when the piece of glazing is positionedin the first orientation in the window opening so as to secure the pieceof glazing in the first orientation, and wherein the at least one framemounting member and the at least one glazing mounting member can bedetachably engaged from each other so as to permit removal of the pieceof glazing and permit replacement of the piece of glazing with a secondpiece of glazing by reattachment of an at least one glazing mountingmember to the inner surface of the second piece of glazing andre-engagement of the first and second coupling members.

In one aspect, the at least one frame mounting member comprises a memberthat has a first surface which is attached to a portion of the sidewalland a second surface that extends into the window opening defined in thesidewall. The at least one first coupling component comprises aplurality of holes formed in the second surface of the at least oneframe mounting member. The at least one second coupling componentcomprises a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the at least oneglazing mounting member is adhered to the inner surface of the piece ofglazing at a location selected so that the plurality of protrusionsextend through the plurality of holes in the at least one first couplingcomponent so as to be detachably secured thereto. In addition, thewindow assembly further comprises a plurality of fasteners that attachto the plurality of protrusions so as to secure the protrusions in theopenings defined by the at least one frame mounting member.

In another aspect, the at least one glazing mounting member comprises aplurality of glazing mounting members positioned adjacent the outerperiphery of the piece of glazing, and wherein each of the at least oneglazing mounting members defines a first section that is adhered flushto the inner surface of the glazing and a second section that is spacedaway from the inner surface of the glazing so as to define at least onerecess when the first section is adhered flush to the inner surface ofthe glazing. In addition, the window assembly further comprises asacrificial layer that is positioned within the at least one recess soas to be interposed between the inner surface of the piece of glazingand the interior of the vehicle so as to inhibit damage to the innersurface of the piece of glazing. Moreover, the window assembly furthercomprises a locking mechanism attached to the second section of the atleast one glazing mounting member, wherein the locking mechanism securesthe sacrificial layer in the recess between the inner surface of thepiece of glazing and the at least one glazing mounting member.

In still another aspect, the sidewall comprises a window mounting recesspositioned adjacent to the periphery of the window opening, and whereinthe window mounting recess is adapted to receive at least a portion ofthe piece of glazing such that, when the piece of glazing is positionedwithin the window opening, the outer surface of the piece of glazing isflush fitting with the outer surface of the sidewall. In addition, theassembly further comprises a sealing gasket that is positioned betweenthe piece of glazing and the window mounting recess. Moreover, the atleast one glazing mounting member is adhered to the inner surface of thepiece of glazing using at least one material selected from the groupconsisting of glue, epoxy, and putty.

The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by a window assembly fora vehicle having a window opening with a recessed periphery formed in asidewall of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises atleast one frame member having a first leg member mounted within thewindow opening of the vehicle, the at least one frame member having asecond leg member with a plurality of apertures formed there through. Inaddition, the assembly comprises a piece of glazing having an innersurface that is positioned, at least in part, adjacent the recessedperiphery of the window opening such that an outer surface of theglazing substantially aligns with the outer surface of the sidewall.Moreover, the assembly comprises at least one retainer having a mountingsurface attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of the pieceof glazing and a plurality of protrusions that extend through theplurality of apertures when the piece of glazing is positioned adjacentto the recessed periphery and are detachably engaged to a plurality offasteners so as to secure the at least one retainer to the at least oneframe member thereby securing the piece of glazing to the window openingin a manner such that the piece of glazing can be removed by disengagingthe fasteners from the protrusions and reattached by re-engaging thefasteners to the protrusions when the protrusions are re-extendedthrough the plurality of apertures.

In one aspect, the retainer further comprises an extending member thatdistally extends from the mounting surface of the retainer so as todefine a slotted region between the member and around at least a portionof the perimeter of the piece of glazing. In addition, the windowassembly further comprises a protective panel that is positionedadjacent the inner surface of the piece of glazing and secured by theslotted region defined by the extending member of the retainer. Also,the retainer further comprises at least one locking member that isattached to the extending member and, when actuated, the locking memberfurther secures the protective panel in the slotted region.

In another aspect, the at least one retainer comprises a plurality ofretainers adhesively attached to the outer periphery of the piece ofglazing, wherein each of the retainers comprises at least oneprotrusion. In addition, the at least one frame member comprises aplurality of frame members, wherein each of the frame members comprise afirst leg member mounted within the window opening of the vehicle and asecond leg member having at least one aperture that is positioned tointerconnect with the at least one protrusion of the retainer when theprotrusion is extended through the at least one aperture. Moreover, theassembly further comprises a sealing gasket that is positioned betweenthe piece of glazing and the recessed periphery of the window opening.

The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by a window assembly fora vehicle having a sidewall with a window opening formed therein. In oneembodiment, the window assembly comprises a framing member attached tothe sidewall so as to be positioned within the window opening, whereinthe framing member defines a first coupling component and a firstglazing member sized so as to be positioned in the window openingadjacent to the framing member. In addition, the window assembly furthercomprises a mounting member attached to the first glazing member,wherein the mounting member defines a second coupling component that isadapted to engage with the first coupling component when the firstglazing member is positioned in the window opening adjacent to theframing member, and wherein the framing member and the mounting membercan be detachably engaged from each other so as to permit removal of thefirst glazing member from the window opening.

In one aspect, the framing member and the mounting member can bedetachably engaged from each other so as to further permit replacementof the first glazing member with a second glazing member by reattachmentof mounting member to the second glazing member and re-engagement of thefirst and second coupling members. In addition, the framing membercomprises a plurality of framing members that are arranged so as to bepositioned within the window opening and attached to the sidewall. Also,the framing member defines a plurality of first coupling components, andwherein the mounting member defines a plurality of second couplingcomponents that are adapted to engage the plurality of first couplingcomponents. Moreover, the mounting member comprises a plurality ofmounting members that are attached to the first glazing member.

In another aspect, the first coupling component comprises one or moreapertures formed in the framing member. In addition, the second couplingcomponent comprises one or more protrusions that are adapted to extendfrom the mounting member through the one or more apertures formed in theframing member. Also, the window assembly further comprises one or morefasteners that are adapted to mount to the one or more protrusions so asto secure the one or more protrusions of the mounting member to the oneor more apertures of the framing member.

In still another aspect, the mounting member comprises one or moremounting members positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the glazingmember, and wherein each of the mounting members defines a first sectionthat is adhered flush to the glazing member and a second section that isspaced away from the glazing member so as to define at least one recesswhen the first section is adhered flush to the inner surface of theglazing. In addition, the window assembly further comprises asacrificial layer that is positioned within the at least one recess soas to be interposed between the glazing member and the interior of thevehicle so as to inhibit damage to the glazing member. Also, the windowassembly further comprises a locking mechanism attached to the secondsection of the mounting member, wherein the locking mechanism securesthe sacrificial layer in the at least one recess between the glazingmember and the mounting member. Moreover, the sidewall comprises amounting recess positioned adjacent to the periphery of the windowopening, and wherein the mounting recess is adapted to receive at leasta portion of the glazing member such that, when the glazing member ispositioned in the window opening, the outer portion of the glazingmember is flush fitting with the outer portion of the sidewall. Also,the assembly further comprises a sealing gasket that is positionedbetween the glazing member and the mounting recess.

The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by a method of installingglazing into a window opening of a vehicle. In one embodiment, themethod comprises attaching at least one frame mounting member to asurface of the vehicle such that a portion extends into the plane of thewindow opening and attaching at least one glazing mounting member to apiece of glazing sized to be positioned within the window opening. Inaddition, the method comprises positioning the piece of glazing in thewindow opening such that the at least one frame mounting member and theat least one glazing mounting member are positioned proximate each otherand coupling the frame mounting member and the glazing mounting memberto each other so as to secure the piece of glazing in the windowopening.

In one aspect, attaching the at least one frame mounting membercomprises mounting a plurality of frame mounting members about 4 sidesof the window opening. In addition, attaching the frame mounting memberscomprises mounting an L-shaped member with an opening on one leg to thesidewall of the vehicle immediately adjacent the window opening suchthat the leg containing the opening is positioned within the plane ofthe window. Also, attaching at least one glazing mounting membercomprises adhering a plurality of glazing mounting members each having aprotrusion to the piece of glazing at locations such that theprotrusions extend through the openings in the plurality of framemounting members.

In another aspect, coupling the frame mounting member to the glazingmounting member comprises attaching a fastener to the protrusions so asto inhibit removal of the protrusions from the openings. In addition,positioning the piece of glazing in the window opening comprisespositioning the piece of glazing within a window mounting recess formedadjacent to the periphery of the window opening such that, when thepiece of glazing is positioned within the window mounting recess, theouter surface of the piece of glazing is flush fitting with the outersurface of the sidewall. Also, positioning the piece of glazing in thewindow opening comprises positioning a sealing gasket between the pieceof glazing and the window opening.

In still another aspect, attaching at least one glazing mounting memberto a piece of glazing comprises positioning the glazing mounting memberadjacent the outer periphery of the piece of glazing, and wherein the atleast one glazing mounting member defines a first section that isadhered flush to the piece of glazing and a second section that isspaced away from the piece of glazing so as to define at least onerecess when the first section is adhered flush to the inner surface ofthe piece of glazing. In addition, the method further comprisespositioning a sacrificial layer within the at least one recess so as tobe interposed between the piece of glazing and the interior of thevehicle so as to inhibit damage to the piece of glazing. Also, themethod further comprises securing the sacrificial layer to the secondsection of the glazing mounting member with a locking mechanism, andwherein locking mechanism secures the sacrificial layer in the at leastone recess between the piece of glazing and the glazing mounting member.

These and other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the inventionwill become apparent upon reading the following detailed description andupon reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similarelements have similar reference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a public transportation vehiclehaving windows mounted within openings in a sidewall of the vehicle.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a windowassembly with a glazing in the installed configuration, wherein aretainer is mounted to the glazing using an adhesive and detachablyconnected to the frame member using a bolting mechanism.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of thewindow assembly of FIG. 2A in a partially unassembled configuration,wherein the retainer remains mounted to the glazing as illustrated inFIG. 2A and disconnected from the frame member by disengaging thebolting mechanism.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a framemounting member that facilitates mounting of the window assembly ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, wherein a locking member is used to secure asacrificial protective layer adjacent to the glazing.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theframe mounting member that can facilitate mounting of the windowassembly of FIGS. 2A and 2B, wherein the frame mounting member includesat least two frame mounting sections positioned at opposing ends of thewindow opening so as to receive a plurality of second couplingcomponents of at least two retainers.

FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate cross-sectional views of some of the possiblevariations to the window assembly of FIG. 2A, wherein one or mareretainers with the locking members are used to secure the sacrificialprotective panel adjacent to the glazing.

DETAILED OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals referto like parts throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a publictransportation vehicle 100 having window assemblies 102 mounted withinwindow openings 104 in a sidewall 106 of the vehicle 100. As will bedescribed in greater detail herein below, each window assembly 102 maycomprise at least one piece of glazing 110 that may be detachablyengaged with at least one frame mounting member 112 so as to permitattachment, detachment, and reattachment in a rapid manner. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, the piece of glazing 110 is shown in an attachedor reattached configuration 120 and a detached configuration 122.

In one embodiment, the piece of glazing 110 may comprise a substantiallyplanar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. The pieceof glazing 110 may be sized so as to be positioned in a firstorientation within the window opening 104 formed in the sidewall 106 ofthe vehicle 100. The first orientation may comprise a recessedorientation, wherein a recessed periphery 114 around the perimeter ofthe window opening 104 is used to positioned the glazing 110, at leastin part, within the window opening 104. In one aspect, the recessedperiphery 114 of the window opening 104 may be integrally formed as partof the sidewall 106, and the frame mounting member 112 may be attachedto at least a portion of the sidewall 106 so as to also be positioned,at least in part, within the window opening 104.

It should be appreciated that, even though the following discussion isdescribed in connection with a bus, the window mounting assembly asdescribed herein may be used in various applications including othertypes of public transportation vehicles, such as trains and boats, andfixed window environments, such as buildings and industrial structures.As will also be apparent from the following discussion, the windowmounting assembly of the present invention facilitates rapidinstallation, removal, and replacement of glazing.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of theglazing 110 in the attached or reattached configuration 120. FIG. 2Billustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the glazing 110in the detached configuration 122. In particular, FIGS. 2A, 2Billustrate the manner in which the glazing 110 is positioned and securedwithin the window opening 104 and then easily detached for rapid removaland replacement.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the glazing 110 is positioned adjacent therecessed periphery 114 so as to be positioned, at least in part, withinthe window opening 104. An outer surface of the 204 of the glazing 110substantially aligns with the outer surface of the sidewall 106 forming,in one embodiment, a flush fitting window assembly. It should beappreciated that the window opening 104 may not comprise a recessedperiphery 114 and that the glazing 110 may be positioned adjacent to theexterior surface of the sidewall 106 such that the glazing 110 is notpositioned within the window opening 104 without departing from thescope of the present invention.

A sealing component 206, such as a rubber gasket, may be positionedbetween the glazing 110 and the recessed periphery 114 so as to form aseal and insulate the interior of the vehicle 100 from the exteriorenvironment outside the vehicle 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, thesealing component 206 may comprise a first and second gasket member 207,208 that are attached at distal ends so as to form an L-shaped gasketstructure. At the distal end of the first gasket member 207, themidpoint of a barrier section 209 is attached to form an exterior sealextending from the exterior surface of the sidewall 106 to the outersurface 204 of the glazing 110. In one aspect, the barrier section 209may comprise a semi-curricular shape having a flat lower base attachedto the first member 207 of the sealing component 206. In another aspect,the barrier section 209 may comprise a flat rectangular shape having anunderside attached to the first member 207 of the sealing component 206.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the sealing component 206 mayalso function as a cushioning device that reduces the impact ofvibrations caused during motion of the vehicle 100. It should also beappreciated that the sealing component 206 may be attached to either theglazing 110 or the recessed periphery 114 using an adhesive, such asglue, prior to positioning the glazing 110 adjacent the recessedperiphery 114 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The frame mounting member 112 is shown attached to the sidewall 106within the window opening 104 using a first fastener 220, such as ascrew, in a generally known manner. The frame mounting member 112 may beformed of a resilient material, such as aluminum, plastic, or variouscomposite materials and may be adapted to fit the size and shape ofvarious window openings in most vehicles. In one embodiment, the framemounting member 112 is an L-shaped structure having a first and secondleg member 216, 218 attached at distal ends, wherein the first leg 216of the frame mounting member 112 may be mounted to an interior surfaceof the window opening 104. In addition, the second leg 218 of the framemounting member 112 extends from the first leg 216 into the windowopening 104 and is adapted with at least one first coupling component222, such as an aperture or hole (shown in FIG. 2B), to receive at leastone second coupling component 230 of the retainer 200 in a manner asdescribed herein below. Moreover, the first coupling component 222 maycomprise a plurality of apertures or holes formed in the frame mountingmember 112 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one aspect, the frame mounting member 112 may also be elongated tofit the length or height of the window opening 104 or contoured to fitthe shape of the window opening 104. It should be appreciated that theat least one first coupling component 222 may be adapted to receive aninterlocking ridge, hook, or the like for the purpose of securing theretainer 200 to the frame mounting member 112 without departing from thescope of the present invention. Additionally, it should be appreciatedthat an adhesive, such as glue may be used in conjunction with the atleast one first fastener 220 or screw to attach the frame mountingmember 112 to the sidewall 106 without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. It should also be appreciated that a plurality offrame mounting members 112 may be attached to one or more of the upper,lower, and side interior surfaces of the window opening 104 withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, a glazing mounting member or retainer 200 is mountedto at least a portion of the inner surface 202 of the glazing 110 usingan adhesive 210, such as a silicon or epoxy resin adhesive, anddetachably engaged to the frame mounting member 112 using at least onesecond coupling component 230. As with the frame mounting member 112,the retainer 200 may be formed of a resilient material, such asaluminum, plastic, or various composite materials and may be adapted tofit the size and shape of various window openings in most vehicles. Theretainer 200 may also be elongated to fit the length or height of theglazing 110 or contoured to fit the shape of the glazing 110. Asillustrated in FIG. 2B, the retainer 200 may comprise a base member 226having a first and second mounting surface 227 a, 227 b. Moreover, theupper portion of the inner surface 202 of the glazing 110 is shownmounted to the first mounting surface 227 a of the base member 226.

The second coupling component 230 may comprise at least one protrusionor bolt member 232 that perpendicularly extends from the second mountingsurface 227 b of the base member 226 and engages the first couplingcomponent 222 (shown in FIG. 2B) of the frame mounting member 112. Thesecond coupling component 230 may be integrally formed as part of thebase member 226, or the second coupling component 230 may be attached tothe base member 226 via welding, etc. without departing from the scopeof the present invention. The second coupling component 230 of theretainer 200 is secured to the first coupling component 222 of the framemounting member 112 by a second fastener 234, such as a nut. In oneembodiment, the protrusion or bolt member 232 is threaded so as toreceive the second fastener or nut 234. In another embodiment, theretainer 200 comprises a plurality of protrusions 232 that engage theframe mounting member 112 via a plurality of holes 222 and aredetachably secured to the frame mounting member 112 with a plurality ofnuts 234. It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art thatvarious other coupling arrangements, such as interlocking ridges, hooks,or the like, may be used to ensure positive retention of the retainer200 to the frame mounting member 112.

The second fastener 234 rigidly secures the glazing 110 in the firstorientation or recessed periphery 114 within the window opening 104 ofthe sidewall 106. Advantageously, the second fastener 234 may be removedto allow removal of the glazing 110 and then re-engaged to allowreplacement or reattachment of the glazing 110 to the frame mountingmember 112 in a timely manner. In the prior art, the adhesive has to becut away from the glazing and removed from the window opening prior toglazing replacement, wherein the conventional glazing replacementprocedure is labor intensive and time consuming in a manner aspreviously described. Conversely, less time is needed to remove andreplace glazing in a vehicle comprising the window assembly of thepresent invention due to the ease and speed at which the fasteners 234may be removed and replaced. As a result, the present invention offersrapid glazing replacement for window assemblies in most vehicles, suchas public transportation vehicles. In addition, existing vehicles may beretrofitted with the frame mounting members so as to improve thetemporal efficiency of glazing replacement, wherein the frame mountingmembers and the glazing may be adapted to fit most vehicles.

The retainer 200 may further comprise a flanged member 228 that extendsin a parallel manner from the base member 226. The flanged member 228 isdistally spaced from base member 226 such that the flanged member 228defines a slotted region or space 242 that is capable of receiving asacrificial protective panel 240. Desirably, the sacrificial protectivepanel 240 slides between the glazing 110 and the retainer 200 in theslotted region 242 and serves to protect the surfaces of the glazing 110from vandalism. Additional protective scope and functionality of thesacrificial protective panel 240 is described in greater detail in theApplicant's issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,453 entitled, “Window ProtectorAssembly,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the protective panel 240 is formed of a substantiallyflexible and resilient material that is easily flexed at its edges intoposition between the glazing 110 and the one or more retainers 200. Whenthe protective panel 240 is released, it resumes its unflexed shapeadjacent to the glazing 110 and the edges are secured by the flangedmember 228 of the retainer 200. Such an arrangement allows for easyremoval from the protective panel 240 using generally known tools, suchas a suction gripping device. Additional scope and functionalityrelating to the protective panel 240 is described in greater detail inthe Applicant's issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,574 entitled, “Quick ReleaseSacrificial Shield and Window Assembly,” which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the glazing110 and the frame mounting members 112 of the window assembly 102 in thedetached configuration 122. The glazing 110 is shown attached to aplurality of retainers 200 that may be mounted towards the outer edgesor periphery of the glazing 110 so as to be substantially parallel withcorresponding frame mounting members 112. As shown, the first couplingcomponents 222 of the frame mounting members 112 substantially alignwith the second coupling components 232 of the retainers 200 and thesecond fasteners 234.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, at least two retainers200 may be attached to the glazing 110 at opposing ends so as to supportat least one sacrificial protective panel 240. Similarly, the framemounting member 112 may comprise one or more component pieces withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In yet anotherembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, at least two frame mountingmembers 112 may be positioned at opposing ends of the window opening 104so as to receive one or more second coupling components 230 of the oneor more retainers 200.

It should be appreciated that the orientation of the at least tworetainers 200 and frame mounting members 212 may be positioned on rightand left side portions or the upper and lower portions of the windowopening 104 or all four sides of the window opening 104 withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Such arrangements mayimprove the ease with which the glazing 110 and the protective panel 240are removed, replaced, or reattached. Advantageously, one or more of theframe mounting members 112 and retainers 200 may be adapted to fitvarious sizes and shapes of window openings so as to promote easyinstallation, removal, and replacement.

FIGS. 3A, 3B further illustrate the addition of one or more lockingmembers 300 to the frame mounting members 214. FIG. 3C illustrates thecross-sectional view of the glazing 110 of FIG. 2A in the attached orreattached configuration 120, wherein the one or more locking members300 of FIG. 3A are shown securing the sacrificial protective panel 240to the glazing 110. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, theone or more locking members 300 may comprise a flat screw that is placedin a hole in the retainer 200 and, when tightened down, secures thesacrificial protective panel 240 adjacent to the inner surface of theglazing 110. As previously described, the protective panel 240 maycomprise a flexible material such that, when flexed, the upper and loweredges of the protective panel 240 may be positioned adjacent the innersurface 202 of the glazing 110. Subsequently, when unflexed, theprotective panel 240 may slide into an upper and lower slotted region242, 244 defined by the flanged members 228 of the retainers 200. Thelocking members 300 secure the protective panel 240 to the glazing 110when in this particular position.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3D, the retainer 200 may comprisean elongated flanged member 228 so as to form an upper slotted region242 that is at least longer than a lower slotted region 244. In thisparticular embodiment, the upper edge of the sacrificial protectivepanel 240 is first placed in the upper slotted region 242 and slidtowards the upper portion of the upper slotted region 242. This allowsthe lower edge of the protective panel 240 to fit into the lower slottedregion 244 and slide down towards the lower portion of the lower slottedregion 244. When in this position, a gap is formed above the upper edgeof protective panel 240 towards the upper portion of the upper slottedregion 242. At this point, the locking mechanism 300 can be positionedto block the gap so as to prevent the protective panel 240 from slidingupwards, which further prohibits removal of the protective panel 240from the retainers 200. In one aspect, the locking members 300 maycomprise one or more retaining gaskets that are adapted to secure thesacrificial protective panel 240 in a manner as described in theApplicant's issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,574.

From the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that theinstallation, removal, and replacement of the glazing 110 is easy andrapid. For example, the retainers 200 may be easily attached to theglazing 110 using the adhesive 210, such as epoxy resin. Following, theretainer 200 and glazing 110 assembly may then be detachably engaged tothe frame mounting member 112 in an easy manner using fasteners, such asthe protrusion member 232 and the nut fastener 234. If the glazing 110needs to be removed or replaced for some reason, rapid detachment andreplacement of the glazing 110 is easily accomplished due to thedetachable engagement of the retainer 200 to the frame mounting member112. For example, the nut 234 can be loosened and removed from theprotrusion member 232, then the protrusion member 232 can be disengagedfrom the apertures or holes 222 in the frame mounting member 112.Subsequently, the glazing 1-10 and retainer 200 assembly is readilydetached from the frame mounting member 112. Then, either a the same oranother glazing 110 and retainer 200 assembly may be re-attached orreplaced with less difficulty.

Advantageously, the glazing 110, frame mounting members 112, and theretainers 200 may be adapted in size and shape to fit or retrofit mostexisting vehicles, such as public transportation vehicles. Inparticular, the frame mounting members 112 may be easily attached to theinterior of the window opening 104 using fasteners 220, such as screws.As a result, many currently used public transpiration vehicles, such asbuses, could be retrofitted with the quick change window assembly of thepresent invention. The size and shape of the glazing 110, frame mountingmembers 112, and the retainers 200 may be adapted to retrofit mostwindow openings in most conventional vehicles. Once older, unmanageablewindow assemblies are removed, the quick change window assemblies of thepresent invention may be easily installed into existing window openingsof currently used vehicles. Once installed, the advantages of rapidremoval and replacement of the quick change window assemblies of thepresent invention can be realized.

Although the foregoing description has shown, described and pointed outthe fundamental novel features of the invention, it will be understoodthat various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of thedetail of the apparatus as illustrated, as well as the uses thereof, maybe made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spiritor scope of the present invention. Consequently, the scope of theinvention should not be limited to the foregoing discussion, but shouldbe defined by the appended claims.

1. A window assembly for a vehicle having a window opening with arecessed periphery formed in a sidewall of the vehicle, the assemblycomprising: at least one frame member having a first leg member mountedwithin the window opening of the vehicle, the at least one frame memberhaving a second leg member with a plurality of apertures formed therethrough; a piece of glazing having an inner surface that is positioned,at least in part, adjacent the recessed periphery of the window openingsuch that an outer surface of the glazing substantially aligns with theouter surface of the sidewall; and at least one retainer having amounting surface attached to at least a portion of the inner surface ofthe piece of glazing and a plurality of protrusions that extend throughthe plurality of apertures when the piece of glazing is positionedadjacent to the recessed periphery and are detachably engaged to aplurality of fasteners so as to secure the at least one retainer to theat least one frame member thereby securing the piece of glazing to thewindow opening in a manner such that the piece of glazing can be removedby disengaging the fasteners from the protrusions and reattached byre-engaging the fasteners to the protrusions when the protrusions arere-extended through the plurality of apertures.
 2. The assembly of claim1, wherein the retainer farther comprises an extending member thatdistally extends from the mounting surface of the retainer so as todefine a slotted region between the member and around at least a portionof the perimeter of the piece of glazing.
 3. The assembly of claim 2,wherein the window assembly further comprises a protective panel that ispositioned adjacent the inner surface of the piece of glazing andsecured by the slotted region defined by the extending member of theretainer.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the retainer furthercomprises at least one locking member that is attached to the extendingmember and, when actuated, the locking member further secures theprotective panel in the slotted region.
 5. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the at least one retainer comprises a plurality of retainersadhesively attached to the outer periphery of the piece of glazing,wherein each of the retainers comprises at least one protrusion.
 6. Theassembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one frame member comprises aplurality of frame members, wherein each of the frame members comprise afirst leg member mounted within the window opening of the vehicle and asecond leg member having at least one aperture that is positioned tointerconnect with the at least one protrusion of the retainer when theprotrusion is extended through the at least one aperture.
 7. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly further comprises a sealinggasket that is positioned between the piece of glazing and the recessedperiphery of the window opening.